Incredible Leeds city centre music and entertainment venue, First Direct Arena, celebrated its 1000th show last Sunday.
First Direct Arena first opened in 2013 and is known for bringing in huge stars of live entertainment from across the globe.
This West Yorkshire venue holds up to 12,000 concertgoers and kicked things off eight years ago with a groundbreaking performance from none other than Elton John.
This arena has seen some A-Listers in its time and this remarkable occasion called for two huge stars as Craig David and Lemar shared the incredible honour of hosting the venue’s 1000th gig.
Leeds’ are true music lovers and this achievement highlights that with names like Kylie, Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen and more playing to our wonderful Yorkshire crowds.
Image: Supplied
In 2025, these leading live music greats show no signs of slowing down either as Tom Grennan announced his biggest tour ever which also stops off at this impressive gig hot spot this year.
There’s loads to expect on the concert calendar with the likes of Sugababes, Olly Murs, Simply Red and more set to take to the stage throughout the next 12 months.
Rock and roll royalty have known to grace these four walls too as back in 2014, legendary recording artist Prince made his Leeds debut here.
The venue is a reflection of Leeds’ vibrant culture hosting everything from Slipknot to the Sports Personality of the Year, is there anything this arena can’t do?
First Direct Arena is fit for any occasion and their March line up is no different, because where else can you cry to ‘That’s So True’ with Gracie Abrams and then laugh til you can’t breathe with Bolton’s finest Peter Kay just three days later.
The same can be said for April as Sugababes will be pushing all the right buttons before Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will bring us to our knees with their grand vocals, just two days apart.
Leeds’ leading live music venue, First Direct Arena, has a range of shows available with tickets and a full 2025 line up so far all available HERE.
Just when it you thought that the Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield line-up was complete, organisers have confirmed a major expansion for 2026.
That's right, the festival will now open a day earlier on Thursday 27 August.
The brand-new opening night will be led by The Kooks, Milburn and Miles Kane - this is going to be a bank holiday weekend you'll never forget.
Further artists for Thursday 27 August - and across the entire four-day weekend - will be announced in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.
It's a welcome addition to what was already shaping up to be one of the standout festival weekends of the summer.
Image: Supplied
Friday will see The Streets headline with a special performance of A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Saturday will be led by one of the UK’s most exciting modern guitar bands, Wunderhorse, supported by Baxter Dury, Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, and London favourites Fat Dog, whilst Sunday will be closed by the one and only Richard Ashcroft.
Festival Director Ali O’Reilly said:“Opening the weekend with The Kooks performing Inside In / Inside Out in full, Milburn returning home and Miles Kane joining the bill feels like a statement night for Sheffield.
“What makes Rock N Roll Circus special is that we can celebrate iconic albums and artists that shaped a generation, while also giving space to the next wave of talent coming through. That mix of heritage and hometown pride is exactly what this festival is about.
“Sheffield has always brought an incredible atmosphere to Don Valley Bowl, and expanding the programme this way gives us even more room to create something memorable for the Bank Holiday weekend.”
Rock N Roll Circus Sheffield takes place at Don Valley Bowl from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 August 2026, and you can get your tickets here.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi’s Roundhay Festival line-up
Thomas Melia
US pop star Conan Gray and BRIT award winner Jacob Alon join the line-up for Lewis Capaldi's headline date at Roundhay Festival.
Leeds' Roundhay Park is welcoming back live music to its grounds this summer for two outdoor gigs headlined by Lewis Capaldi and Pitbull titled Roundhay Festival, with special guests slowly being announced.
Gray is recognised for standout tracks like 'Heather' and 'Maniac' while Alon has built a cult following of fans around their indie tunes like 'Fairy in a Bottle' as well as 'Liquid Gold 25'.
Jacob Alon has been showing off their artistry within the indie music scene thanks to their 2025 LP In Limerence catching the attention of many in the process.
This album has gone onto attract widespread love from music listeners and even industry professionals bagging themselves their first-ever BRIT award nomination and win - The Critics' Choice award.
Conan Gray AND Jacob Alon join Lewis Capaldi's Roundhay Festival line-up / Credit: Supplied via Press Shots
Conan Gray started out covering other artists hits before creating some of his own and releasing debut studio album Kid Krow back in 2020.
The project has production credits shared between Gray and Dan Nigro, Grammy-winning producer who has worked with Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Lorde and more.
It's always exciting hearing updates like these, but this one is even more impressive as it's not just one stellar act joining the Roundhay Festival line-up but two, with further acts to be announced.
The almost 70,000 crowd who are heading down to Roundhay Festival when Lewis Capaldi makes his way to Leeds next summer are going to be blessed with some phenomenal live music.
This year marks American Express Presents Roundhay Festival first year with two star-studded dates fronted by powerhouse performers with the second show fronted by Pitbull and special guest Kesha.
These events have been organised with Leeds City Council and are expected to bring benefits to the local area by employing local suppliers, staff and boost spending on accommodation, food and entertainment.
Conan Gray and Jacob Alon will play alongside Lewis Capaldi at Roundhay Festival in Leeds on Saturday 4 July 2026 with tickets available HERE.
Thomas Melia -
4th February 2025 
